I was recently cleaning out my basement when in between the joists, I found a pair of fluorescent tubes in their original liners and wrapped in something resembling butcher paper.   They measure 58 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter.  They seem huge to me...  They are GE 40 watt cool white bulbs (per the etching on the tubes).  I had planned to throw them away, but my Mother-in-law said that her uncle had put them there long ago because he thought they may be valuable.  Not sure if these are worth keeping or selling, or just pitching.  I haven't been able to find much at all about them online, so I would appreciate any help anyone on here can give me.

Thanks,
Kris

You should definitely NOT throw them away. They are probably T17's, which are 2 1/8" in diameter. T17's are becoming very rare and valuable. Can you post pictures in the gallery?

Yep, sounds like you have a pair of F40T17 lamps. Rare as hen's teeth! If you don't want them, there are members here who will be glad to take them off your hands.

Old T17s in original packaging...not easy to come by.

I have uploaded a couple pics into the gallery if that helps. 

I saw those. Awesome lamps! If you're not going to keep them, I'm sure there are people here that would take them off your hands.

You can still buy new F40T17s but the older ones are rare and very collectable.
I am sure that many members here would like to have them and would give them a good home.

I would certainly be interested in them